Surgical stapling instrument having a two-position lockout mechanism

ABSTRACT

Surgical stapler systems can include lockout mechanisms to restrict further movement of a jaw assembly and provide different functionality when a jaw assembly is empty and when a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. When the jaw assembly is empty, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can arrest an open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. When an at least partially fired reload is present in the jaw assembly, a fired reload lockout mechanism can allow operation of the jaw assembly through a substantial portion of an open-close stroke, but restrict actuation of the jaw assembly in a firing stroke. The separate lockout mechanisms can be embodied in a single lockout lever actuatable by lockout actuators to three distinct positions or by two independently-operable lockout levers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/700,789 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Two-Position Lockout Mechanism” filed on Mar. 22, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/801,788 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Two-Position Lockout Mechanism” filed on Feb. 26, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,311,293, which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/811,457 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Two-Position Lockout Mechanism” filed on Feb. 27, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to surgical occlusion instruments and, more particularly, to surgical staplers.

Description of the Related Art

Surgical staplers are used to approximate or clamp tissue and to staple the clamped tissue together. As such, surgical staplers have mechanisms to ensure that tissue is properly positioned and captured and to drive staples through the tissue. As a result, this has produced, for example, multiple triggers and handles in conjunction with complex mechanisms to provide proper stapling of the clamped tissue. With these complex mechanisms, surgical staplers can have increased manufacturing burdens, as well as potential sources for device failure and confusion for the user. Thus, reliable stapling of clamped tissue without complex mechanisms is desired.

Surgical staplers can further include cutting blades that transect tissue being stapled. These staplers can have mechanisms to restrict motion of the cutting blades when no staples are present in the device. Further improvements of mechanisms to restrict motion of the cutting blade of a surgical stapler are desirable to enhance user tactile experience and patient safety in certain stapler configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling device is provided herein. The surgical stapling device comprises an elongate shaft, a firing beam, and a jaw assembly. The elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The firing beam has a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the firing beam is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. The firing member is at the distal end of the firing beam. The jaw assembly is at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, an empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism, and a fired reload lockout mechanism. The first jaw defines an anvil. The second jaw defines a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom. The first jaw is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The firing member is longitudinally slidable within the jaw assembly to move the jaw assembly in an open close stroke to pivot the first jaw relative to the second jaw from an open configuration to a closed configuration and in a firing stroke distal the open close stroke to fire staples from the reload cartridge. The empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism restricts distal movement of the firing member in the open close stroke when no reload cartridge is present in the reload support. The fired reload lockout mechanism prevents distal movement of the firing member from the open close stroke to the firing stroke.

In certain embodiments, a surgical stapler is provided herein. The surgical stapler comprises an elongate shaft, a firing beam, a firing member, and a jaw assembly. The elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The firing beam has a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the firing beam is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. The firing beam comprising a first notch formed therein and a second notch formed therein. The firing member is at the distal end of the firing beam. The jaw assembly is at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a lockout lever. The first jaw defines an anvil. The second jaw defines a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom. The lockout lever is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The lockout lever has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end. The lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a first height corresponding to the first notch, a second position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a second height corresponding to a position of the second notch, and an unlocked position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a third height spaced apart from the first notch and the second notch.

In certain embodiments, a surgical stapler is provided herein. The surgical stapler comprises an elongate shaft, a firing beam, a firing member, and a jaw assembly. The elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The firing beam has a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the firing beam is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. The firing beam comprises a first notch formed therein and a second notch formed therein. The firing member is at the distal end of the firing beam. The jaw assembly is at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first lockout lever, and a second lockout lever. The first jaw defines an anvil. The second jaw defines a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom. The first lockout lever is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The first lockout lever has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lockout lever is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The second lockout lever has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end. The first lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in which the proximal end of the first lockout lever is at a first height spaced apart from the first notch and a second position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a second height corresponding to a position of the first notch. The second lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in which the proximal end of the second lockout lever is at a first height spaced apart from the second notch and a second position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a second height corresponding to a position of the second notch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of surgical stapling device with the jaws in an open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reload shaft for the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with the jaws in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of handle assembly having an articulation mechanism for a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of surgical stapling system having an embodiment of powered handle;

FIG. 5 is a side view the powered handle of the surgical stapling system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly in a locked configuration;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reload cartridge for use in certain embodiments of surgical stapling device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a firing beam and firing member for use in certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of a proximal end of a jaw assembly of certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 13 is a cut away side view of a proximal end of a jaw assembly of certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 14 is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 13 with an unfired reload partially inserted;

FIG. 15 is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 13 with an unfired reload partially inserted;

FIG. 16 is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 13 with an unfired reload partially inserted;

FIG. 17 is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 13 with an unfired reload inserted;

FIG. 18 is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 13 with an at least partially fired reload inserted;

FIG. 19 is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 13 with no reload inserted;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a firing beam and firing member for use in certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 21 is a perspective partially exploded view of a proximal end of a jaw assembly for use in certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 22 is a cut away side view from a first side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 21 with an unfired reload cartridge inserted;

FIG. 23 is a cut away side view from a second side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 21 with an unfired reload cartridge inserted;

FIG. 24 is a cut away side view from a second side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 21 with a fired reload cartridge inserted;

FIG. 25 is a cut away side view from a first side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 21 with no reload cartridge inserted;

FIG. 26 is a cut away side view from a first side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 21 with no reload cartridge inserted and the firing beam longitudinally advanced; and

FIG. 27 is a cut away side view from a second side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of FIG. 21 with no reload cartridge inserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-5 , embodiments of surgical stapling device are illustrated. The embodiment of stapling device illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 includes a mechanical handle assembly 40, and the embodiment of stapling device illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 includes an electrically powered handle assembly 40′. The illustrated embodiment of surgical stapler 10 comprises an elongate shaft 20, a jaw assembly 30, and a handle assembly 40, 40′. Various aspects of the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 described herein can be used interchangeably with either the mechanical handle assembly 40 or the powered handle assembly 40′. FIG. 1 illustrates the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in an open configuration. FIG. 2 illustrates a removable reload shaft assembly comprising the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 of the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in a closed configuration.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the illustrated embodiment of surgical stapler 10 can be sized and configured for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. For example, the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured to be introduced into a surgical field through an access port or trocar cannula. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured to be inserted through a trocar cannula having a relatively small working channel diameter, such as, for example, less than 8 mm. In other embodiments, elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured to be inserted through a trocar cannula having a larger working channel diameter, such as, for example, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that certain aspects of the surgical staplers described herein can be incorporated into a surgical stapling device for use in open surgical procedures.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , as illustrated, the elongate shaft 20 comprises a generally tubular member. The elongate shaft 20 extends from a proximal end 22 to a distal end 24. The elongate shaft 20 defines a central longitudinal axis, L. of the surgical stapler 10 extending between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 is coupled to the elongate shaft 20 at the distal end 24 of the elongate shaft 20. The jaw assembly 30 comprises a first jaw 34 pivotally coupled to a second jaw 32. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 , the jaw assembly is fixed in an orientation longitudinally aligned with the central longitudinal axis L. In other embodiments, elongate shafts can include jaw assemblies articulably coupled to the elongate shaft such that the jaw assembly can be selectively positioned at an articulated position with respect to the central longitudinal axis L. The handle assembly of FIG. 3 includes an articulation knob 190 and articulation mechanism configured to provide continuously selectable articulation of a jaw assembly of an elongate shaft assembly through an articulation range. In an initial configuration, the second jaw 32 includes a plurality of staples 36 disposed therein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 can be actuated from an open configuration (FIG. 1 ) to a closed configuration (FIG. 2 ) to a stapling configuration by an actuation member or beam that is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. In an initial position, the beam can be positioned at the distal end 24 of the elongate shaft 20. With the beam in the initial position, the first jaw 34 is pivoted away from the second jaw 32 such that the jaw assembly 30 is in the open configuration. The actuation beam engages the first jaw 34 upon translation of the actuation member or beam distally along the longitudinal axis L. Translation of the actuation beam distally from the initial position a first distance can actuate the jaw assembly from the open configuration to the closed configuration. With the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration, the actuation beam can be returned proximally the first distance to return the jaw assembly 30 to the open configuration. A distal end of the actuation beam can advance a staple slider configured to deploy staples from the second jaw 32 such that further translation of the actuation beam distally past the first distance deploys the plurality of staples 36 from the second jaw 32.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly is coupled to the elongate shaft 20 at the proximal end 22 of the elongate shaft 20. As illustrated, the handle assembly 40 has a pistol grip configuration with a housing defining a stationary handle 42 and a movable handle 44 or trigger pivotably coupled to the stationary handle 42. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, surgical stapler devices including aspects described herein can have handle assemblies with other configurations such as, for example, scissors-grip configurations, or in-line configurations. The handle assembly 40 houses an actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance an actuation shaft responsive to movement of the movable handle 44 to actuate the actuation beam within the elongate a shaft a first distance in an open-close stroke to close the jaw assembly from an initial open position, a second distance beyond the first distance in a firing stroke to fire staples, and to return the actuation beam the second distance and the first distance to an initial position. In certain embodiments, a sliding selector 72 on the handle assembly can allow a user to select whether the handle assembly operates to actuate a jaw assembly in an open-close stroke or a firing stroke. Various embodiments of handle assemblies and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,668,732, entitled “Surgical Stapler Handle Assembly Having Actuation Mechanism With Longitudinally Rotatable Shaft” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/485,620, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled “Surgical Stapler Having Articulation Mechanism,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

With reference to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the surgical stapler 10 can include the plurality of staples 36 positioned in a disposable reload cartridge 50 while the handle assembly 40 and elongate shaft 20 is configured to be reused with multiple staple reload cartridges. Advantageously, the grasping and firing lockout mechanisms described herein can limit functionality of the handle assembly to alert a user and enhance patient safety if no reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly or if a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 define a reusable shaft assembly that is removably couplable to the handle assembly 40. Various aspects of the lockout mechanisms described herein can be used by the shaft assembly and one or more disposable cartridge thereof to limit functionality of the handle assembly after partial or complete firing of the staples from the jaw assembly.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the handle assembly 40 includes a coupler 46 at the distal end thereof. The coupler 46 is adapted to engage the elongate shaft 20 of the surgical stapler 10 The coupler 46 can have a bayonet connection having an outer connector that can removably couple the handle assembly 40 to the elongate shaft 20, and an inner connector that can removably couple the actuation shaft of the handle assembly 42 to the actuation member of the elongate shaft 20. Accordingly, the surgical stapler 10 can be configured such that the handle assembly 40 can be reused with multiple shaft assemblies and reload cartridges during a surgical procedure. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the handle assembly and some portion of the elongate shaft can be reusable while a remainder of the elongate shaft and the jaw assembly define a disposable cartridge. In certain other embodiments, the handle assembly and the elongate shaft can be reusable while the jaw assembly defines a disposable cartridge. In still other embodiments, a jaw insert housing a plurality of staples can define a disposable cartridge while the remainder of the surgical stapler is reusable.

With reference to FIGS. 4-5 , an embodiment of surgical stapling system with a powered handle assembly is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment of surgical stapler 10′ comprises an elongate shaft 20, a jaw assembly 30, and a handle assembly 40′. FIG. 4 illustrates the surgical stapler 10′ with the jaw assembly 30 in an open configuration with an embodiment of powered handle having powered staple firing and manual jaw assembly articulation. FIG. 5 illustrates the powered handle 40′ of the surgical stapler system 10′ with the elongate shaft removed. In the illustrated embodiments, the shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be freely rotated about a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft 20 by rotation of a rotation knob on the handle 40′. In other embodiments, the stapling system can be configured to allow rotation of the jaw assembly about the longitudinal axis within a predefined range or a rotationally fixed jaw assembly.

With reference to FIG. 5 , an embodiment of powered handle for a surgical stapling system is illustrated. The powered handle can be used with various shaft reloads and cartridges such that the shaft configuration, jaw assembly configuration, and staple configuration can be selected for a particular procedure. The motor is controlled by an embedded control system that dictates functionality of the handle during different stages of use. Articulation of the jaw assembly can be manually controlled by an articulation knob 190′ that the operator rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulation knob 190′ is positioned on the proximal end of the powered handle and is rotatable about an axis generally corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the stapling system.

With continued reference to FIG. 5 , the powered handle 40′ comprises a pistol-grip configuration with a stationary handle 42′ and a movable handle 44′ or trigger pivotably coupled thereto. A power supply 130 or battery can be positioned on a lower surface of the stationary handle. The powered handle 40′ can further comprise a user control such as a fire or fire/reverse button 150 to allow a user to selectively control a stapling sequence such that a user can selectively actuate the handle assembly to operate a jaw assembly in an open-close stroke and a firing stroke. The powered handle 40′ can further comprise a redundant, manual override return system 170 to allow a user to manually return the stapling system to an open configuration in the event of a powered system failure, control system failure, power supply failure, “lockjaw,” or other mechanical binding.

Various embodiments of powered handle assemblies and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/486,227, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled “Reload Shaft Assembly for Surgical Stapler” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/486,008, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled “Surgical Stapler Having a Powered Handle,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

With reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 , in certain embodiments, the jaw assembly can comprise a binary reload lockout mechanism 80. The reload lockout mechanism 80 can prevent advancement of the firing member if no reload is positioned within the jaw assembly or if an empty reload is positioned within the jaw assembly. The reload lockout mechanism 80 includes a lockout lever 82 pivotally coupled to the reload support. An axis defined by the pivot extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. With the firing member 240 fully retracted such that the jaw assembly is in an open configuration, a tail 247 extending proximally from the firing member 240 maintains the lockout lever 82 pivoted to the unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, a proximal portion of the lockout lever 82 proximal the pivot is forked or bifurcated to receive the firing member 240 therein such that the tail 247 can act on a surface of the lockout lever 82 proximal the pivot. If no reload is inserted, an attempt to advance the firing member 240 will allow the lockout lever to pivot about a pivot point 84 from the unlocked position to the locked position as the tail 247 of the firing member is advanced distally along the lockout lever. (FIG. 8 ). With the lockout lever 82 in the locked position, a proximal, locking end 86 of the lockout lever interferes with a lock recess 60 on the drive member 26, preventing further distal movement of the drive member.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 , if an unfired reload is inserted into the reload support (FIG. 9 ), a tail 54 extending proximally from a slider 55 engages a distal end of the lockout lever 82. The slider 55 is longitudinally distally slidable within the reload from a proximal position to a distal position to deploy a plurality of staples from the reload. As illustrated, the tail 54 acts on a lower surface of a distal portion of the lockout lever 82 distal the pivot point. This engagement of the slider tail 54 with the distal end of the lockout lever 82 pivots the proximal end of the lookout lever 82 away from the drive member 26 even once the tail 247 of the firing member 240 is no longer acting on the proximal portion of the lockout lever. Accordingly, the drive member 26 and firing member 240 can be distally advanced to fire the staples from the reload. Upon completion of a firing stroke, the slider 55 remains at a distal end of the reload. Thus if the jaw assembly is returned to the open configuration, withdrawing the firing member, the fired reload should be removed and a new unfired reload should be inserted to unlock the reload lockout.

While the binary lockout lever reload lockout mechanism described with respect to FIGS. 6-9 advantageously prevents firing of the jaw assembly when either no reload cartridge is present or a partially or fully fired reload is present, in certain conditions, it can allow a user to operate the handle assembly to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close operation and an initial portion of the firing stroke, which can close the jaw assembly, and advance the firing member 240 to a pre-fired position in the jaw assembly. Safety of the binary lockout mechanism can be enhanced by positioning the lock recess 60 of the drive member in a location corresponding to a position on the firing member 240 within the open-close stroke of the jaw assembly such that with the lockout mechanism in a latched state the blade of the firing member 240 is recessed or through inclusion of a stop or guard member to shield the blade of the firing member. But, further improvements and advantages can be achieved with a separate empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and fired reload lockout mechanism. As further described below, in certain embodiments, these separate mechanisms can be engaged by a two-position lockout lever, with two lockout positions and one unlocked position (FIGS. 12-19 ) or a lockout lever assembly having two independently-operable lockout levers (FIGS. 21-27 ).

With reference to FIG. 10 , a reload cartridge 250 for use with an elongate shaft of a surgical stapler device having separate empty jaw assembly and fired reload lockout mechanisms is illustrated. As further described below, if no reload cartridge 250 is present in the jaw assembly and a user attempts to grasp the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, a two-position lockout lever will move to a first, locked position. As illustrated, the reload cartridge includes a first lockout actuator sized and positioned to position a two-position lockout lever in a second position to defeat the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism when a reload is positioned in the reload support of the jaw assembly. In certain embodiments, the first lockout actuator can comprise a ramped boss 252 extending laterally inwardly from a side wall of a body of the cartridge.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , in the illustrated embodiment the reload cartridge 250 includes a second lockout actuator sized and configured to position a two-position lockout lever in an unlocked position to defeat the fired reload lockout mechanism when an unfired reload is positioned in the jaw assembly. Thus, in addition to the two lockout positions, the two-position lockout lever is pivotable to an unlocked position. In certain embodiments, the second lockout actuator comprises a tail 254 extending proximally from a slider 255 of the reload cartridge 250. When the reload cartridge 250 is in an unfired state, the slider 255 is in a proximal position such that the slider tail 254 extends proximally to engage the lockout lever. As the firing member is advanced distally in a firing stroke, it abuts the slider within the reload cartridge and advances the slider distally. Advancement of the slider 255 longitudinally distally within the reload from the proximal position to a distal position deploys a plurality of staples from the reload. Thus, once the reload cartridge 250 is in a partially fired (or fully fired) state, the proximally-extending slider tail 254 is not in position to defeat the fired reload lockout mechanism.

With reference to FIG. 11 , a firing beam 226 for use with an elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapler device having separate empty jaw assembly and fired reload lockout mechanisms is illustrated. The firing beam 226 extends from a proximal end to a distal end 230. A firing member 240 having a generally I-beam configuration is disposed at the distal end 230 of the firing beam 226. Upper and lower horizontal flanges 242, 244 of the I-beam firing member 240 ride in channels in the first and second jaws of the jaw assembly to approximate the jaws, then maintain spacing of the jaws during staple firing. A cutting blade 245 is positioned on the vertical portion of the I-beam profile to transect tissue between rows of staples. The I-beam firing member 240 can be attached to the distal end of the firing beam 226 by an interlock fit, welding, another joining technique, or some combination thereof. A proximal edge of the I-beam firing member 240 can have a proximally-extending projection or tail 247 that can rest on a proximal portion of a lockout lever with the firing beam 226 in a fully retracted position corresponding to an open jaw assembly.

With continued reference to FIG. 11 , the firing beam can include a first lockout notch 222 for use in conjunction with the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and a second lockout notch 224 for use in conjunction with the fired reload lockout mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout notch 222 extends a first height from an adjacent lower edge 220 of the firing beam 226. As further described below, the first height is selected to correspond to a height of the proximal end of the lockout lever when the empty jaw assembly lockout has been actuated by an attempt to approximate a jaw assembly without a reload cartridge present.

With continued reference to FIG. 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the second lockout notch 224 is positioned on the firing beam proximal of the first lockout notch 222. The second lockout notch 224 extends a second height from the adjacent lower edge 220 of the firing beam 226. As further described below, the second height is selected to correspond to a height of the proximal end of the lockout lever when the fired reload lockout mechanism has been actuated by an attempt to fire a previously fired or partially fired reload.

The illustrated embodiment of firing beam 226 has a first lockout notch 222 and a second lockout notch 224 that are substantially contiguous such that the adjacent lower edge 220 of the firing beam is relieved over a longitudinal span corresponding to the first lockout notch 222 and the second lockout notch 224. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch can be spaced from one another by an unrelieved segment of the lower edge of the firing beam. As further described herein, the heights and longitudinal positions of the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch can be configured to achieve desired operational characteristics of a stapler handle assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 , a portion of the jaw assembly 270 is illustrated in partially exploded (FIG. 12 ) and cut away side views (FIG. 13 ), with various components hidden for illustration of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism. In certain embodiments, the lockout mechanisms comprise a two-position lockout lever 280, a biasing spring 290, a first lockout notch 222, and a second lockout notch 224. The two-position lockout lever 280 has a distal end 282 configured to engage a first lockout actuator and a second lockout actuator on a reload cartridge, a pivot 284 proximal the distal end, and a proximal end 286 configured to engage either the first lockout notch, the second lockout notch, or neither. The biasing spring 290 has at least one lower spring arm 292 biasing the end of the lockout lever 280 distal the pivot 284 in a downward direction towards the reload support of the second jaw 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing spring has two lower spring arms 292 with a gap therebetween allowing passage of the firing member 240 and the firing beam 226. The biasing spring 290 can have at least one upper spring arm 294 that biases the first jaw 272 towards an open configuration. The biasing spring 290 can be configured to sit astride the firing beam 226 and can have a central saddle member from which the at least one lower spring arm 292 and the at least one upper spring arm 294 extend.

With reference to FIGS. 14-19 , operation of the two lockout mechanisms is illustrated. In these partial cut away side views of a proximal end of certain embodiments of jaw assembly, certain elements of the jaw assembly (such as biasing spring) are not illustrated, and certain components (such as firing member 240) are illustrated as transparent elements to enhance visibility of the operation of the lockout mechanisms. FIGS. 14-17 illustrate functioning of the lockout mechanisms as a full, unfired staple reload 250 cartridge is positioned in the reload support of the second jaw 274. FIG. 18 illustrates operation of the fired reload lockout mechanism. FIG. 19 illustrates operation of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism.

With reference to FIG. 14 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated. The jaw assembly is in an open configuration such that the first jaw 272 is biased to an open position relative to the second jaw 274. The firing member 240 and firing beam 226 are in a fully proximally retracted position such that a proximal surface of the lockout lever 280 rests on a proximally extending tail 247 of the firing member 240. Thus, the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 is raised slightly away from the reload support such that a lockout actuator can be positioned between the reload support and the lockout lever 280.

With continued reference to FIG. 14 , the slight raise of the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 can accept a ramped proximal surface of the first lockout actuator or ramped boss 252 formed on the reload cartridge body. The distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 has a lateral extension 283 (FIG. 12 ) positioned to engage the first lockout actuator and a medial surface 281 (FIG. 12 ) positioned to engage the second lockout actuator as the reload cartridge 250 is slid proximally upon insertion to the reload support of the jaw assembly.

With reference to FIG. 15 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with the reload 250 cartridge partially inserted. As illustrated, the lateral extension 283 of the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 has engaged a ramped proximal surface 283 of the ramped boss 252. As the reload 250 cartridge is further slid proximally, the lateral extension 283 travels up the ramped surface to a first height relative to the reload support, pivoting the lockout lever 280 into the second position and defeating the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism. Operation of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is further described below with reference to FIG. 19 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second lockout actuator or slider tail 254 of an unfired reload 250 cartridge is positioned just distal of the first lockout actuator at a height positioned to engage with the medial surface 281 of the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 once the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 has been raised to the first height from the reload support by the first lockout actuator. Accordingly, when viewed in a cut away side view, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , the first lockout actuator and second lockout actuator define a progressive ramped profile arranged to elevate the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 to two predefined positions as a reload 250 cartridge is inserted into the reload support.

With reference to FIG. 16 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with the reload 250 cartridge almost fully inserted. As illustrated, the medial surface 281 on the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 has engaged a ramped proximal surface of the second lockout actuator or slider tail 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximally extending tail 254 of the slider of the reload 250 has a lead-in ramped surface that, with the reload cartridge in an unfired state, engages the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280. In certain embodiments, the lockout lever 280 and slider tail 254 can be configured to provide a smooth, relatively low friction reload insertion and reduce the possibility of binding or inadvertent advancement of the slider during insertion of the cartridge. For example, in certain embodiments, the medial surface 281 of the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 can have a radiused distal tip such that the lockout lever 280 will be pivoted by interaction with the slider tail despite potential slight angular misalignments between the reload 250 cartridge and the reload support. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the ramped proximal surface of the slider tail 254 can extend from a first height relative to the reload support at a proximal end that is smaller than a height of the first lockout actuator relative to the reload support. Accordingly, as an unfired reload 250 cartridge is positioned in the reload support, the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 can transition from the first lockout actuator to the second lockout actuator smoothly at a wide range of angular alignments between the reload cartridge and reload support.

With reference to FIG. 17 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with the reload 250 cartridge fully inserted. As illustrated, the medial surface 281 on the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 has been advanced along the ramped proximal surface of the second lockout actuator and onto the second lockout actuator or slider tail 254. This advancement along the ramped surface of the slider tail 254 pivots the lockout lever 280 about the pivot 284 such that the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 is at a second height with respect to the reload support. With the distal end of the lockout lever 280 at the second height, the lockout lever is in an unlocked position, corresponding to an unlocked state of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and an unlocked state of the fired reload lockout mechanism.

With continued reference to FIG. 17 , with the lockout lever 280 in the unlocked position, the proximal end 286 of the lockout lever 280 is positioned at a height below a lower edge of the firing beam. Accordingly, the firing member 240 and firing beam 226 can be distally advanced through an open-close stroke and a firing stroke responsive to user input from an operatively coupled mechanical or powered handle assembly (FIGS. 1-5 ). Accordingly, when an unfired reload cartridge is inserted to the reload support of the jaw assembly, both the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism are defeated to allow a user to operate a stapler handle assembly to grasp tissue with the jaw assembly and fire staples from the jaw assembly by distal translation of the firing beam and firing member within the jaw assembly.

With reference to FIG. 18 , once a reload 250 cartridge has been at least partially fired, the slider within the reload 250 is advanced distally from a proximal, unfired position. Upon completion of a firing stroke, the slider remains at a distal location within the reload cartridge while the firing beam 226 and firing member 240 can be retracted proximally responsive to operation of a handle assembly in a return or retraction stroke. Thus, once a reload 250 cartridge has been partially or fully fired the second lockout actuator or slider tail is not in position to engage the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280. In certain embodiments, the first lockout actuator or ramped boss 252, however, is stationary relative to a body of the cartridge. Thus, with a partially or fully fired reload 250 positioned in the reload support, the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 is engaged by the first lockout actuator to position the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 at the first height relative to the reload support. With the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 at the first height, corresponding to the second position of the lockout lever, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is defeated, but the fired reload lockout mechanism is locked.

With continued reference to FIG. 18 , with the lockout lever 280 in the second position, the proximal end 286 of the lockout lever 280 is at a height corresponding to the second lockout notch 224 on the firing beam 226. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the biasing spring 290 (FIG. 12 ) exerts a force on an upper surface of the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280, tending to maintain the proximal end 286 of the lockout lever 280 at the height corresponding to the second lockout notch 224 on the firing beam 226. Accordingly, if a user attempts to actuate the jaw assembly with a fired reload cartridge present in the jaw assembly, the firing beam 226 can be distally advanced until the proximal end 286 of the lockout lever 280 seats within the second lockout notch 224 of the firing beam 226, indicating engagement of the fired reload lockout mechanism and preventing further distal motion of the firing beam and the firing member.

With continued reference to FIG. 18 , in certain embodiments the fired reload lockout mechanism can be configured to permit operation of the jaw assembly of the stapling device in at least a portion of an open-close stroke. For example, in certain embodiments, the position of the second lockout notch 224 and the length of the lockout lever 280 can be sized and configured such that the firing beam 226 is arrested upon engagement of the fired reload mechanism at a position corresponding to a fully closed or almost fully closed configuration of the jaw assembly. With the jaw assembly in such a configuration, the firing member 240 has advanced to a distal position that approximates the first jaw and the second jaw, but maintains the cutting edge 245 in a substantially recessed location. Advantageously, with the fired reload lockout configured to permit an open-close stroke, after firing staples from a reload cartridge, a user can operate the jaw assembly in one or more open-close strokes to assess tissue thicknesses and consistency at various locations for application of a potential second reload. Likewise, as insertion of a stapling device through a surgical access port such as a trocar can typically require the jaw assembly to be in a closed configuration, a user could withdraw and reinsert the jaw assembly through one or more surgical access ports to evaluate tissue thicknesses and consistency at various locations in a surgical site.

With continued reference to FIG. 18 , in certain embodiments, the fired reload lockout mechanism can be further configured to prevent operation of the stapling device in a firing stroke. Mechanical and powered stapler handle assemblies configured for use with an elongate shaft and jaw assembly as described herein, such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5 , typically include firing mode selector mechanisms or firing safety switches to allow a user to affirmatively select operation of a firing stroke of the jaw assembly only once the jaw assembly has been positioned in a closed configuration. Thus, in certain embodiments, the position of the second lockout notch 224 and the length of the lockout lever 280 can be sized and configured such that the firing beam is arrested upon engagement of the fired reload lockout mechanism at a position corresponding to a position proximal to a fully closed configuration of the jaw assembly. Thus, in these embodiments, once the fired reload lockout mechanism has been engaged, although a user would be able to select operation of the firing stroke on the handle assembly, the handle assembly would not engage the firing beam in a firing stroke. Advantageously, operation of the fired reload lockout mechanism to prevent actuation of the firing stroke on the handle assembly would serve as an indication to the user that a lockout had been engaged.

With reference to FIG. 19 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with no reload cartridge inserted and the firing member and firing beam slightly longitudinally advanced. With no reload present, once the tail 247 of the firing member 240 advances off of the proximal end 286 of the lockout lever 280, the biasing spring 290 (FIG. 12 ) exerts force on the upper surface of the distal end 282 of the lockout lever 280 towards the reload support. Thus, upon initial advancement of the firing beam 226 responsive to a user actuating a handle assembly to advance the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the lockout lever 280 is pivoted into a first position corresponding to a locked configuration of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism. As the firing beam 226 is advanced distally, the proximal end 286 of the lockout lever 280 seats in the first lockout notch 222 on the firing beam 226 and engages the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism, preventing further distal translation of the firing beam 226 and firing member 240.

With continued reference to FIG. 19 , in certain embodiments the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can be configured to arrest motion of the firing beam at a position corresponding to a substantially open configuration of the jaw assembly. For example, the position of the first lockout notch 222 on the firing beam 226, the length of the lockout lever 280, and the length of the tail 247 of the firing member 240 can be sized and configured such that the empty reload lockout mechanism is locked early in an open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. Advantageously, with the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism configured to lock during an initial portion of the open-close stroke, a user would be unable to actuate a handle assembly to close the jaw assembly sufficiently to be inserted through a surgical access port if no reload cartridge were present in the jaw assembly. Thus, with an empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism so configured, a user would have a tactile indication that no reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly before inadvertently introducing an empty jaw assembly to a surgical site. Moreover, such an empty jaw assembly lockout desirably maintains the cutting edge 245 of the firing member 240 in a substantially retracted, shielded position relative to the jaw assembly with no reload present in the jaw assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 20-27 , in certain embodiments, an elongate shaft and jaw assembly for use in a surgical stapling device can have independently-operable empty jaw assembly and fired reload lockout mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment, rather than including a two-position lockout lever having surfaces actuatable by first and second lockout actuators, as described with reference to FIGS. 10-19 , the jaw assembly can include a first lockout lever and a second lockout lever independently actuatable by corresponding first and second lockout actuators.

With reference to FIG. 20 , an embodiment of firing beam 326 for use with the lockout mechanisms of FIGS. 21-27 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing beam 326 comprises a first lockout notch 322 and a second lockout notch 324. The first lockout notch 322 has a first height relative to a lower edge 320 of the firing beam 326 and the second lockout notch 324 has a second height relative to the lower edge 320 of the firing beam 326. In certain embodiments, the second height is greater than the first height. The first lockout notch can be spaced from the second lockout notch by a tab 328 reinforcing the first lockout notch. Other aspects of a firing member 340 and firing beam 326 are substantially as described above with respect to the firing member and firing beam for use with the two-position lockout lever.

With reference to FIG. 21 , in certain embodiments, a partially exploded view of a first jaw 372 and a second jaw 374 of a jaw assembly 370 is illustrated, with various components hidden for illustration of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism. In certain embodiments, the lockout mechanisms comprise a first, empty jaw assembly lockout lever 380, a second, fired reload lockout lever 480, a biasing spring 390, a first lockout notch 322, and a second lockout notch 324. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout lever 380 and the second lockout lever 480 are each pivotably coupled to the second jaw 374 of the jaw assembly, and the first lockout lever 380 and the second lockout lever 480 are independently pivotable. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout lever 380 and the second lockout lever 480 are positioned on opposite sides of the firing member 340 and firing beam 326 and each pivot about a pivot axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the jaw assembly 370. In certain embodiments, the first lockout lever 380 and the second lockout lever 480 pivot about the same pivot axis. In other embodiments, the pivot axis of the first lockout lever 380 can be longitudinally offset from the pivot axis of the second lockout lever 480.

With continued reference to FIG. 21 , in the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout lever 380 has a proximal end 386, a distal end 382, and a pivot 384 positioned between the proximal end 386 and the distal end 382. The biasing spring 390 has a lower spring arm 392 that is positioned on an upper surface of the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380. The biasing spring 390 biases the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 downwardly, towards the reload support of the second jaw 374. The biasing spring can further comprise at least one upper spring arm 394 that biases the first jaw 372 pivotally away from the second jaw 374 to position the jaw assembly in an open configuration. Thus the biasing spring 390 exerts a spring force on the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 that tends to pivot the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380 upwards, away from the reload support. As illustrated, with the firing member 340 and firing beam 326 in a fully retracted position, corresponding to an open jaw assembly, a proximally extending tail 347 on the firing member 340 engages the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380, overcoming the force exerted by the biasing spring 390 and positioning the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 in a raised position with respect to the reload support such that a reload cartridge can be inserted to the reload support.

With further reference to FIG. 21 , the second lockout lever 480 has a proximal end 486, a distal end 482, and a pivot 484 positioned between the proximal end 486 and the distal end 482. In certain embodiments, a biasing member 490 is positioned on a lower surface of the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480. The biasing member 490 is configured to maintain the distal end 482 of the second locked lever 480 in a raised position when no reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. As illustrated, in certain embodiments, the biasing member 490 comprises a compressible puck positioned on the lower surface of the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 to maintain the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 in a raised position relative to the reload support. In other embodiments, other biasing members such as coil springs can be positioned on the lower surface of the distal end of the second lockout lever. In still other embodiments, the biasing member can be positioned on the reload support under the distal end of the second lockout lever.

With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 , cut away views of the proximal end of the jaw assembly are illustrated with a reload 350 cartridge inserted and the firing member 340 and firing beam slightly longitudinally advanced towards a jaw assembly closed configuration. FIG. 22 illustrates a first side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the first lockout lever 380. FIG. 23 illustrates a second side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the second lockout lever 480. With an unfired reload 350 cartridge positioned in the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism has been defeated and is in an unlocked configuration, and the fired reload lockout mechanism has been defeated and is in an unlocked configuration.

With reference to FIG. 22 , as a reload cartridge 350 is inserted into the reload support of the second jaw 374 of the jaw assembly, a first lockout actuator 352 on a proximal end of the reload 350 is advanced proximally between the reload support and the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout actuator 352 comprises a protruding surface on the reload cartridge. For example, in some embodiments, the reload cartridge can comprise a cartridge body partially surrounded by a metal jacket. The metal jacket can comprise a folded or raised surface that contacts a lower surface on the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 to maintain a height of the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 relative to the reload support when a reload 350 cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. With the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 maintained at the height of the first lockout actuator 352, the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380 is positioned at a height below a lower edge of the firing beam 326, away from the first lockout notch 322 and the second lockout notch. Accordingly, with a reload 350 cartridge in the reload support, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism has been defeated. In certain embodiments, the lockout mechanisms can be configured to allow translation of the firing beam 326 and firing member 340 with the empty jaw lockout mechanism defeated to allow some portion of the open close stroke of the jaw assembly with a reload cartridge present in the jaw assembly regardless of whether the reload has been fired.

With reference to FIG. 23 , as a reload 350 cartridge is inserted, a proximally extending tail 354 on the slider 355 is positioned between the reload support and a lower surface of the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480. The biasing member 490 or compressible puck maintains the height of the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 to receive the tail 354 of the slider 355 under the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480. In certain embodiments, the reload 350 cartridge further comprises a cartridge biasing spring 492 biasing an upper surface of the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 downward towards the reload support.

With continued reference to FIG. 23 , with the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 at the height of the tail 354 of the slider 355, the proximal end 486 of the second lockout lever 480 is positioned at a height below a lower edge of the firing beam 326, away from the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch. Accordingly, with a reload 350 cartridge in the reload support, the fired reload lockout mechanism has been defeated. Thus, when an unfired reload 350 has been positioned in the reload support of the jaw assembly, both the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism have been defeated and a user can operate an operatively coupled handle assembly to advance the firing beam and firing member in a firing stroke to deploy staples from the reload 350 cartridge.

With reference to FIGS. 24 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with a partially or fully fired reload cartridge inserted and the firing member and firing beam slightly longitudinally advanced corresponding to a jaw assembly closed configuration. With a partially or fully fired cartridge positioned in the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism has been defeated and is in an unlocked configuration, and the fired reload lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration.

With a fired reload cartridge inserted, the position of the first lockout lever on the first side of the jaw assembly is the same as described above with respect to an unfired reload cartridge (FIG. 22 ). Thus, once a reload cartridge has been at least partially fired, or if a previously-used reload cartridge has been reinserted into the reload support of the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is defeated.

With reference to FIG. 24 , with a fired reload 350 cartridge inserted, a cartridge biasing spring exerts force on the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 in a downward direction towards the reload support. The cartridge biasing spring 492 is configured to exert force sufficient to overcome the bias of the biasing member 490 between the reload support and the second lockout lever 480. In certain embodiments, the cartridge biasing spring 492 is coupled to the reload cartridge 350 at the proximal end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, with no slider tail positioned in a proximal position, the cartridge biasing spring 492 exerts force sufficient to compress the compressible puck on the lower surface of the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 such that the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 is pivoted to a relatively low height relative to the reload support. With the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 at this relatively low height, the proximal end 486 of the second lockout lever 480 is positioned at a height corresponding to the second lockout notch 324 of the firing beam 326 such that the fired reload lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration. As illustrated, once the firing beam is advanced by a user attempting to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the fired reload lockout mechanism engages as the proximal end 486 of the second lockout lever 480 seats within the second lockout notch 324 on the firing beam 326 to arrest further longitudinally distal motion of the firing beam 326.

With continued reference to FIG. 24 , in the illustrated embodiment, the fired reload lockout mechanism is configured to allow a range of operation of the jaw assembly in the open-close stroke responsive to user input at the handle assembly. For example the position of the proximal end of the second lockout lever and second lockout notch can be selected to provide engagement of the fired reload lockout mechanism at a position of the firing beam corresponding to a closed or almost closed configuration of the jaw assembly. Thus, advantageously after firing staples from a reload cartridge, a user can grasp tissue with the jaw assembly to assess tissue thickness and consistency without removing the stapling device from the surgical site. Moreover, the fired reload lockout mechanism can be configured to prevent a user from selecting a firing operation at a handle assembly of the stapling device by engaging before completion of the open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. Thus, a user can be prevented from inadvertently advancing the firing member and firing beam into a position corresponding to the firing stroke of the jaw assembly, in which a cutting blade of the firing beam may be accessible to tissue.

With reference to FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 , cut away views of the proximal end of the jaw assembly are illustrated with no reload cartridge inserted and the firing member and firing beam longitudinally fully retracted (FIGS. 25, 27 ) or substantially fully retracted (FIG. 26 ), corresponding to a jaw assembly open configuration. FIG. 25 illustrates a first side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the first lockout lever 380. FIG. 26 illustrates the first side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly with the firing member slightly advanced illustrating operation of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism. FIG. 27 illustrates a second side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the second lockout lever 480. In the illustrated embodiment, with no reload cartridge positioned in the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration, and the fired reload lockout mechanism is in an unlocked configuration.

With reference to FIG. 25 , with no reload cartridge inserted and the jaw assembly in the open configuration, the position of the first lockout lever 380 is initially maintained with the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 raised from the reload support to receive a reload cartridge. With the jaw assembly in the open configuration, the firing beam 326 is in a fully retracted position, and a tail 347 on the firing member 340 rests on the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380 to position the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 to receive the reload cartridge. However, if a user attempts to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke (FIG. 26 ), the tail 347 on the firing member 340 will be longitudinally advanced off of the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380. The biasing spring 390 can exert a force on an upper surface of the distal end 382 of the first lockout lever 380 to pivot the first lockout lever 380 such that the proximal end 386 of the first lockout member is positioned at a height from the reload support corresponding to a height of the first lockout notch 322 on the firing beam 326. With reference to FIG. 26 , if a user continues to attempt to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380 will seat in the first lockout notch 322 on the firing beam 326 upon initial distal movement of the firing beam. Thus, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration.

With continued reference to FIGS. 25-26 , the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can be configured to restrict further distal movement of the firing beam during an initial portion of the open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. For example, the size of the tail 347 on the firing member 340, the position of the proximal end 386 of the first lockout lever 380 and the first lockout notch 322 can be configured to arrest the firing beam 326 upon initial distal movement of the firing beam 326. Accordingly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism would engage with the jaw assembly in a partially or substantially open configuration. Desirably, this engagement of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism would indicate to a user that the jaw assembly was empty before the jaw assembly would be introduced to a surgical site.

With reference to FIG. 27 , with no reload cartridge inserted in the jaw assembly, the biasing member 490 or compressible puck maintains the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 in a raised position relative to the reload support. With the distal end 482 of the second lockout lever 480 at this raised height, the proximal end 486 of the second lockout lever 480 is positioned adjacent the reload support such that the proximal end 486 of the second reload lever 480 is at a relatively low height adjacent to the reload support and spaced away from the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch of the firing beam 326. Thus, the fired reload lockout mechanism is in an unlocked configuration. As illustrated, once the firing beam is advanced by a user attempting to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the fired reload lockout mechanism remains in the unlocked configuration, and the proximal end of the second lockout lever remains adjacent the reload support.

Although this application discloses certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the various features of these inventions can be used alone, or in combination with other features of these inventions other than as expressly described above. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapler comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a firing beam having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a portion of the firing beam being longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft; and a jaw assembly at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the jaw assembly comprising: a first jaw defining an anvil; a second jaw defining a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom; and a lockout lever pivotably coupled to the second jaw, the lockout lever having a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end; wherein the proximal end of the lockout lever is engageable with the firing beam when one of no reload cartridge is in the reload support and a fired reload cartridge is in the support, wherein the proximal end of the lockout lever is disengaged from the firing beam when an unfired reload cartridge is in the reload support, and wherein the lockout lever is pivotable between a first position when no reload cartridge is in the reload support, a second position when the fired reload cartridge is in the reload support, and an unlocked position when the unfired reload cartridge is in the reload support.
 2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a reload cartridge removably positionable in the reload support.
 3. The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein the reload cartridge comprises a first lockout actuator sized and positioned to position the lockout lever in the second position.
 4. The surgical stapler of claim 3, wherein the first lockout actuator comprises a ramped boss formed on the reload cartridge.
 5. The surgical stapler of claim 3, wherein the reload cartridge further comprises a second lockout actuator sized and positioned to position the lockout lever in the unlocked position.
 6. The surgical stapler of claim 5, wherein the second lockout actuator is advanceable out of engagement with the lockout lever upon firing of the reload cartridge.
 7. The surgical stapler of claim 6, wherein the first lockout actuator is stationary with respect to the reload cartridge.
 8. A surgical stapler comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a firing beam having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a portion of the firing beam being longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft; a jaw assembly at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the jaw assembly comprising: a first jaw defining an anvil; a second jaw defining a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom; and a lockout lever pivotably coupled to the second jaw, the lockout lever having a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end; and a reload cartridge removably positionable in the reload support, the reload cartridge comprising: a cartridge body; a first lockout actuator positioned on the cartridge body and stationary with respect to the cartridge body; and a second lockout actuator positioned within the cartridge body and longitudinally slidable with respect to the cartridge body; wherein the distal end of the lockout lever is engageable with the first lockout actuator and the second lockout actuator such that when the reload cartridge in an unfired condition is positioned in the reload support, the lockout lever is pivoted by the second lockout actuator to an unlocked position, and when the reload cartridge in a fired condition is positioned in the reload support, the lockout lever is pivoted by the first lockout actuator to a fired reload lockout position.
 9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein with the reload cartridge removed from the reload support, the lockout lever is pivoted to an empty jaw assembly lockout position.
 10. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein the first lockout actuator comprises a ramped boss positioned on the cartridge body.
 11. The surgical stapler of claim 10, wherein the reload cartridge comprises a slider longitudinally distally movable within the cartridge body to deploy a plurality of staples from the reload cartridge, the slider comprising a slider tail, and wherein the second lockout actuator comprises the slider tail.
 12. The surgical stapler of claim 11, wherein the ramped boss and the slider tail are positioned to define a progressive ramped profile arranged to elevate the distal end of the lockout lever as the reload cartridge in the unfired condition is positioned in the reload support.
 13. The surgical stapler of claim 9, wherein the firing beam comprises a first lockout notch having a first height and a second lockout notch having a second height different from the first height.
 14. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein with the lockout lever pivoted to the fired reload lockout position, the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a height corresponding to the second height such that the proximal end of the lockout lever engages the second lockout notch upon distal advancement of the firing beam.
 15. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein with the lockout lever pivoted to the empty jaw assembly lockout position, the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a height corresponding to the first height such that the proximal end of the lockout lever engages the first lockout notch upon distal advancement of the firing beam.
 16. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch are substantially contiguous. 